4-Day Madagascar Safari: Antananarivo and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
This concise 4-day Madagascar safari offers participants an exploration of the capital city and the lush Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural interactions.
Duration: 4 Days
Places to Visit: Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city with a population of about 1.3 million. Known locally as ‘Tana’, the city sits at an elevation of 1,280 meters. Visit the Rova of Antananarivo, a royal palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city and insights into Malagasy royal history. The palace, built in the 17th century, showcases a blend of traditional Malagasy and European colonial architecture. Explore the Analakely Market, the city’s main bazaar, to observe daily life and sample local cuisine. Try traditional dishes like romazava (meat and greens stew) or koba (peanut and rice cake). Learn about Madagascar’s unique biodiversity at the Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which houses lemurs, chameleons, and other endemic species. The zoo was established in 1925 and plays a crucial role in conservation education.
Accommodation: Hotel Colbert or similar
Day 2-3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (approximately 3 hours), a protected area covering 155 square kilometers of rainforest. The park is home to 11 lemur species and over 100 bird species. Take guided day and night walks through the forest to observe various lemur species, including the indri, the largest living lemur species. The indri’s haunting calls can be heard up to 2 kilometers away. Visit the Vakona Private Reserve to see lemurs up close and learn about conservation efforts. The reserve plays a crucial role in lemur rehabilitation and conservation. Explore the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, part of the national park, known for its high density of indri lemurs. This 810-hectare reserve was established in 1970.
Take a community tour to the nearby village of Andasibe to learn about the Betsimisaraka people, the second-largest ethnic group in Madagascar. Learn about their traditional customs, music, and dance. Participate in a reforestation project. The park has ongoing efforts to restore degraded areas and create corridors between fragmented forest patches. Enjoy a night walk to observe nocturnal species like the eastern woolly lemur and various chameleon species. Madagascar is home to about half of the world’s chameleon species. Visit the Mitsinjo Association, a local NGO working on community-based conservation and development projects. Learn about their efforts in sustainable agriculture and ecotourism.
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge or similar (2 nights)
Day 4: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Antananarivo
Take a final morning walk in the park, focusing on bird watching. Look for species like the Madagascar blue pigeon, Madagascar paradise flycatcher, and the elusive ground-roller species. Drive back to Antananarivo (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, visit the Andafiavaratra Palace, which houses artifacts saved from the fire that destroyed the Rova in 1995. The palace, built in 1872, offers further insights into Madagascar’s royal history. Explore the craft market at La Digue for souvenir shopping, supporting local artisans. Madagascar is known for its intricate woodcarvings, textiles, and gemstone jewelry. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Malagasy cuisine and music. Try the national dish, ravitoto, made from cassava leaves and pork.
Transfer to Ivato International Airport for departure, concluding the safari.
